CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci and Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs recently teamed up to return $44,000 to the Champaign County Treasurer’s Office.

“We’re all committed to ensuring strong public finances, and I’m proud to partner with Treasurers Frerichs and Clark to safeguard every penny,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “I hope Champaign County residents will take five minutes to visit the ICash website to see if they too have funds to claim.”

The money, owed to the county from Frontier Communications, came in over the summer to the State Treasurer’s Office, which is responsible for returning missing money to Illinois residents through the ICash program. Faraci quickly worked with newly appointed County Treasurer Byron Clark to help with the claims process. Treasurer Clark said he is thankful that the money is back where it belongs. 

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci is urging federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families.

"There are a number of misconceptions about the SNAP program and who benefits from food assistance,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “The truth is this program serves a wide range of individuals, especially in our communities – our veterans, seniors, working families, children and people with disabilities. They are relying on this support to survive, and we cannot let them down.” 

SNAP provides critical support for individuals and families, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown threatens to halt these benefits immediately, putting millions at risk of food insecurity – including the 40,585 people in the district Faraci represents who rely on SNAP benefits.

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci secured over $29 million to build and repair infrastructure in East Central Illinois through the state’s largest multi-year program in history.

“These investments are essential for our communities, helping to improve the safety of our commuters, create good-paying jobs in the district and reduce congestion on our local roadways,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “Updating the infrastructure so many of our residents rely on – whether built for car, bike or foot – ensures our communities meet the demands of travelers today while making way for future opportunities for growth.” 

The largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. IDOT’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.

CHAMPAIGN – On Thursday, Sept. 18, State Senator Paul Faraci and State Representative Carol Ammons will host a joint town hall at the Illinois Terminal located in Champaign.

“I’ve heard from many residents who are concerned about rising energy bills and worried about cuts to critical services,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “This town hall is an opportunity for our communities to come together, ask questions and get the facts.”

The event will be held Thursday, Sept. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. on the 4th floor of the Illinois Terminal in Champaign, located at 45 E. University Ave.